ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families today welcomed nearly 100 Blue Star Families to Government House to celebrate Blue Star Welcome Week, a national campaign to welcome transitioning military families into their new communities. In partnership with the Blue Star Families organization, the governor and first lady reinforced the Moore-Miller administration’s commitment to uplifting Maryland’s service members and their families.
“Before I deployed to Afghanistan, I thought military service was toughest on soldiers. After I deployed, I realized it was toughest on families, who stepped up even though they weren’t called,” said Gov. Moore. “They juggled the household, the finances, and the future by themselves—and for that we owe them a profound deal of gratitude. That’s why in Maryland, we will always honor our pledge, and make sure that our military families are not just seen but supported.”
“Today is personal for me because as a former military spouse, I know the challenges our military families face and how we must support them,” said First Lady Moore. “At a time when we are facing mounting conflicts at home and abroad, the challenges are enormous. What gives me hope is that our administration is leading the way in uplifting our military families, who every single day carry forward the proud legacy of service that defines our state and our country.”
Blue Star Families is the nation’s largest chapter-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting military and veteran families. Through innovative programming, community-building initiatives, and partnerships with public and private organizations, Blue Star Families works to ensure that military families feel connected, supported, and empowered wherever they serve.
“Through our Maryland Joins Forces partnership with Blue Star Families, we are building stronger networks of support for service members, veterans, and their loved ones,” said Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Acting Secretary Ed Rothstein. “We are committed to programs that connect families to benefits, outreach that fosters community, and long-term support that ensures resilience. Together with the Moore-Miller Administration, we reaffirm Maryland’s commitment to those who serve and those who serve alongside them.”
“Governor Moore and the State of Maryland are continuing to show the country how to welcome military families with open arms,” said Blue Star Families CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. “As co-chair of the Do Your Part honorary gubernatorial committee and vice chair of the National Governors Association, Governor Moore is using his leadership to turn commitment into action. Through this partnership, Maryland is proving that military families aren’t just serving our nation—they’re strengthening our communities and our future. This is a real impact and a powerful example for other states to follow.”
In September 2024, Governor Moore was named the honorary co-chair of the “Do Your Part: State Leadership to Support Military Families” initiative, a collaboration between Blue Star Families and the National Governors Association. This partnership set a new national standard for collaboration between state government, community organizations, and the military.
Maryland is proud to be home to more than 30,000 active-duty service members, over 385,000 veterans, and nearly 100,000 military-connected family members. In 2023, Governor Moore declared 2024 as the Year for Military Families. Through the Families Serve Act, which supports Maryland’s military families by expanding job opportunities for military spouses, nearly 60 military spouses have been hired into jobs across State government. The governor also signed into law the Time to Serve Act ensuring that state employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserves are fully supported by the State in their service.
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